Derby officials, residents study historic downtown properties

John P. Guszkowski, Director of Planning, CME Engineering in Woodstock, addresses about 30 people at a workshop Wednesday night on Derby downtown revitalization held at City Hall.

Derby to host workshop on revitalization

Vibrant Communities Initiative project
DERBY - Mayor Anita Dugatto is inviting members of the public to an informational workshop at 7 p.m. Wednesday in aldermanic chambers at City Hall that will focus on the revitalization of Derby’s historic downtown buildings.

 
"All of our residents, business owners, and taxpayers have a stake in the financial well-being of Derby’s local economy,” Dugatto said in a release.“Given this, they should have the opportunity to take an active role in the revitalization of our city.”

The workshop is part of an ongoing project of the Vibrant Communities Initiative funded by a grant from the Preservation Division of the CT Department of Economic and Community Development. 

The grant, being administered by the CT Trust for Historic Preservation, provides for the development of an action plan for an underutilized historic structure within the city that would be significant to Derby’s revitalization efforts.

“Demonstrating the potential of our historic properties is an important part of the community

revitalization process,” Dugatto said. “We want investors to see the unique opportunities that

exist in our city.”

CME Associates, an architecture, engineering, and technical services firm with expertise in historic preservation, has been selected to assist Derby in developing this plan. 

“Our hope is that this plan will serve as a template and catalyst for the revitalization of

historic properties throughout the city,” Dugatto said.
“I encourage members of our community to come out and learn more about this important project.”

This post is taken from a press release from Mayor Anita Dugatto's office.

Mayor announces Derby's membership in Main Street Center program

DERBY - Mayor Anita Dugatto today announced Derby’s membership in the National Main Street Center program.  Membership provides the city with another resource in support of a new approach to the revitalization of Derby’s historic downtown. 

“The redevelopment challenges facing Derby are not unlike those that face many other cities and towns around the country.  It makes sense to take advantage of the experience and knowledge of others pursuing the same goals.”

One of the highlights of NMSC membership is access to the Main Street List Serve.  The list serve functions as a framework for towns and cities around the country to seek viable solutions to everyday challenges.  

“Very often other communities have come up against similar issues." Dugatto said. "They are eager to share their successes and failures, and offer resources for practical solutions.  This knowledge is invaluable.” 

Dugatto believes that Derby’s redevelopment plan should not be merely about out with the old and in with the new.  “We need to strike a balance between preserving our historic heritage, while defining a new community that reflects the needs of today’s modern society.” 

Furthermore, she said, “Derby should not only focus on attracting new businesses to our local economy, but should also help existing businesses thrive.  Membership in this program reflects a commitment to both of these important objectives.”

This is a press release from Mayor Anita Dugatto's office.